Wesley E. Hansen

Former Puget Island resident Wesley Hansen, 99, passed away Oct. 13, 2017, at the Hospice Care Center in Longview.

Wesley was born in Buena, WA, on Feb. 18, 1918. He was preceded in death by his seven siblings. Wes was a gifted storyteller and his family loved hearing his tales of growing up in the Yakima Valley.

Wes attended Central Washington University until he enlisted in the military in 1941. It was in the Army Air Corp he became a fighter pilot and instructor.

After the war ended in 1945, Wes returned to college in Ellensburg where he earned a master's degree in education. He taught industrial arts in Castle Rock from 1949 until retiring in 1978. Wes had a passion for woodworking and was a true master. He could build anything.

Wes was married to Jeanne R. Smith from 1949 until her death in 1984. They raised four children, Larry (Lynde), John (Gigi), Eric (Ana) and Helen (Tom). He loved his family and enjoyed every gathering to the fullest.

A celebration of Wes's life will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632.